John "Johnnie" Mason

It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our wonderful husband, father, and grampie, John James Mason, on May 8, 2015 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born in New Waterford, he was the son of the late John and Catherine (Madden) Mason.

Johnnie, as he was affectionately known, was more than a pretty face, he was a handy little fellow to have around. He was a pipefitter with the Local 682 for many years. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in New Waterford, Branch 015. He served for the Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery in Europe. He married the love of his life, his heart and soul, Marjorie in 1955, and together they raised a daughter Diane, whom he was incredibly proud of. Anyone who knew Johnnie knew his joy was his family. He lived by the motto that "I look after my own." and anyone who knew him or was lucky enough to be loved by him, knew that he was their Johnnie 911. His only granddaughter, Natalie (John Chris) O'Connor, added four great-grandchildren to his world in recent years, (all Maple Leaf fans) and he enjoyed every second of being Grampie. "Who's Grampie's Angel?" he'd tease lovingingly, to Natalie or Taylor, or "Who's Grampie's Boy?" to Johnny Boy.

The twins came later, but he loved watching them learning to walk and got a great pleasure just being able to see his grandchildren enjoying themselves. The kids went out on weekend sleepovers frequently, and he'd get up each morning and make them eggs in the microwave or pancakes just like he did every weekend for their Mom. He called us his heart and soul, but he was just as much ours, and he will be missed more than words could ever say. He spent many happy years in the summer on the Mira, relaxing at the bungalow around the fire or playing a game of cards, having 'one more before the rowe'. He was his happiest when everyone was together, because then he didn't have to look out the window wondering where they were or start calling around, "Because Nannie was worried." Simply, he was the greatest man we knew, and was/is very much loved by us all.

Johnnie is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Marjorie, loving daughter Diane, Mira, granddaughter Natalie (John Chris) O'Connor, Millville, great-grandchildren Taylor, Johnny, Hayden and Payton O'Connor. His sister Helen, Ontario. He is also survived by special nieces and nephews Geraldine (Stu) Corbett, Derek Corbett, (Mitchell and Ryan Ellsworth), Darlene (Wayne) Darroch, (Karlene), Brian (Cynthia) Michalsky, sister-in-law Kay Mason, all of New Waterford, nephew Bradley and nieces Shauna, Denise and special “adopted” daughter Dianee MacAulay.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his brothers Bernie and Billy, his sister Rhea and Johanne in-infancy, and his two best friends, sister-in-law Vange and her husband Peter Michalsky

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 from 2-4 to 7-9 p.m., A funeral mass to celebrate Johnnie’s life will take place Thursday, May 14 at 10 a.m. in the Parish of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Ave. with Father Ray Huntley officiating, followed by a luncheon at the K.O.C hall, Plummer Ave. All are welcome. Burial will be held in Mount Carmel Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of McLellan Brothers Funeral Home, 3183 Plummer Ave., New Waterford, 862-7500. Donations can be made to the Autism Society of Cape Breton. To send online condolences go to www.mclellanfuneralhome.com
You taught us how to love
You taught us what family means,
You were the family man
That every family needs.
You taught us to be strong
but let us know that day or night,
Our Johnnie 911 would be there,
Our families saving knight.
Well today God seemed to need you
He dialed 911 this time,
And like always, you took the call
Without a chance to say goodbye.
With broken hearts, Grampie we'll miss you
Every second, of every day,
Don't keep watch, worrying in God's window
I promise somehow we'll be okay.